Arteries become blocked when plaque begins to build up on the walls of them, causing them to narrow and slowing the flow of blood through them. Too much plaque may cause a complete blockage, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Plaque is made up of cholesterol, fatty substances, calcium, and cell waste so to reduce the risk of your loved one’s arteries from becoming blocked, you need to find how to reduce the plaque in his arteries.

Many patients will have an angioplasty to help a blocked artery but that artery can become blocked again, especially if the lifestyle choices that lead to the plaque buildup continue as they were before. That’s why it is important to help your loved one understand that to keep his arteries healthy, he may need to make some lifestyle changes and continue with them for the rest of his life. The good news is that many of these changes will also provide better health in other areas of his life, may increase his energy, and can even help his mood.

Let’s look at some recommended changes that should be made if your loved one has arteries that have been narrowed by plaque build-up.

• Diet. Altering his diet may be a big first step, especially if your loved one likes a diet full of fried foods, rich desserts, and lots of high-fat dairy products.

1. 1. If your loved one has a companion care at home provider, this may be an excellent time to have his companion care at home provider work with you and him to create a menu that is heart and artery healthy. The diet should be rich in whole foods and fresh vegetables and fruits. Legumes, whole grains, seeds, and nuts should be plentiful while highly processed and foods high in saturated fats should be avoided.
   2. Replace those saturated fats with heart-healthy fats like the fat from olives, avocados, and fish.
   3. Cut back on sugar and salt.
   4. Increase fiber intake.

• Exercise. Daily exercise should be a part of your loved one’s routine. He should aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. If this is a new lifestyle for him, have him start slowly and work his way toward 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each day. His companion care at home provider can be a great motivator and someone to keep him accountable on those days he just doesn’t want to do it.
• Stop smoking and drinking alcohol. Tobacco use should be ceased completely, and alcohol use should be reduced to no more than one or two drinks a day for men (only one a day for women).

There is no guarantee that the arteries won’t become blocked again, so regular checkups with his doctor and perhaps taking a prescribed medicine will also help to keep his arteries clear and his blood flowing.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring companion care at home in Grass Valley, CA, talk to the caring staff at Partners in Care today. Serving El Dorado, Nevada, Yuba, Sutter, Sacramento, Placer, Butte, Glenn, Yolo, & Colusa Counties!
Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! (530) 268-7423

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Shaun Clinkinbeard

President at Partners In Care

With over 25 years of combined experience, our knowledgeable office staff is available 24/7 to support our caregivers and our clients. Our team is comprised of professionals that understand the challenges that face our clients and their families, and strive to be responsive and dependable.

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